What is spermatogenesis ?

Gametogenesis is the process that converts primordial germ cells (PGCs) into mature male and female gametes. There are two types spermatogenesis and oogenesis specific to males and females respectively. Spermatogenesis commences at puberty when the testes begin to secrete an increased amount of testosterone. Once puberty starts dormant PGCs resume development, divide several times by mitosis and then differentiate into spermatogonia(2N); this occurs within the seminiferous tubules.

The spermatogonium will first undergo mitosis which will produce two identical daughter cells which are primary spermatocytes(4N). One of which will remain undifferentiated and the other will further differentiate. The primary spermatocyte will undergo the first stage of meiosis and produce two secondary spermatocytes(2N). Each secondary spermatocyte will produce two spermatids(1N). This is the second stage of meiosis. The spermatids will undergo spermiogenesis in which they mature further and are now known as spermatozoa (1N)